Chapter 36

Fors was stunned into complete silence.  He even found breathing somewhat difficult.  The words of Jarl's proposal hung in the air like a mountain mist.  After several moments, Fors finally found his voice. Incredulously, he asked,

"You want me to go before the Hamassa Ruling Council?"

"Yes.  With General Tarkus you will go and offer peace to those who have been our gravest enemies."

Fors half-turned, as if to deflect the order.  "Guardian, I -- surely Tarkus should go alone!"

The older man shook his head, his lips a grim line.  "Actions give truth to words.  By sending an emissary, we will prove to them that we are serious about peace."

Fors, his tone perilously close to insubordinate, said, "There is no way to predict their reaction.  They could also interpret that as an ultimatum; a prelude to war!  The peace would collapse before it even had a chance to get started."

"Fors, you are a Star Man, the Star Captain.  You are also our only diplomat.  No one else but you could undertake this mission.  Your abilities raise the chances for success, they do not diminish them."  He paused.  "Kinsman, you have brought peace to warring parties before, people who were determined to destroy each other."

Fors turned back.  "But that is the crucial word:  People!  I can reason with people.  Hamassa have yet proven that they are even capable of reason."

Jarl shot back, "And yet, a leader of that same race walks among us in perfect safety.  He has seen and accepted hospitality and is willing to face the extremists in his own government, armed with the knowledge that could end centuries of warfare."

Fors was silent for a moment, then said, "You know that this could place me in danger.  I have lain in their bonds before; the scars of that experience I wear still.  I could die a very long, and very painful death."

"Or, you could get through to them.  You could halt the last great war on this planet."  The Guardian raised himself to his full height, his sharp blue eyes lancing into Fors.  "Of all the men of this tribe you are the one who always had the vision to see past what we were to what we could become.  This is a crucial turning point for us all, humans and Hamassa.  We cannot afford to ignore this opportunity."  Jarl put his hand on Fors' shoulder.  "Kinsman, will you do it?"

In Fors' fog of confusion and fear, Jarl's words sunk in.  Surprised, he said,  "You are not ordering me to go."

A short pause, then, "I am asking."

Jarl's eyes had softened.  In that moment, Fors saw the depth of the Guardian's commitment, and in that realization, Fors' courage asserted itself.  Drawing himself up to full attention, he responded in a firm voice,

"Guardian, I accept this mission."

Unexpectedly, Jarl smiled.  "I know what I am asking of you, of the risk you will face.  In my heart, there is no one I trust more."

Fors nodded.  "When do we leave?"

****************************************************************************